The Gary/Chicago International Airport is making significant strides in modernization with the construction of a new air traffic control tower. This development comes more than a decade after the airport expanded its runway by $174 million, emphasizing the necessity for improved visibility for air traffic controllers.
Advanced Visibility for Controllers
Executive Director Dan Vicari highlighted the limitations of the current 54-year-old, 50-foot tower. Its height compromises visibility for controllers managing incoming flights on the longer runway. The new tower, set to rise an additional 50 feet, will enhance viewing capabilities, ensuring safer and more efficient operations for the airport.
Milestones in Construction
Construction for the new tower began on September 18, 2026. The project is expected to reach completion in about 22 months. Through various stages of funding, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) played a crucial role, initially granting $1.7 million in 2024 for design and engineering. Subsequently, in May, the FAA provided $10 million, with an additional $8.3 million granted recently.
A June contract awarded $16 million to Larson-Danielson Construction for the tower’s build. This initiative will offer improved infrastructure, bolstering the future growth of aviation in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago region. As Vicari expressed, the tower represents the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration.
Strategic Investments for the Future
Vanessa Allen-McCloud, a member of the airport authority, emphasized the long-term commitment to strategic improvements. She noted that the project symbolizes years of planning and enduring partnerships, with significant investments generating construction jobs and regional economic growth.
In line with these advancements, the airport recently launched a $24 million, 55-acre air cargo campus on its northwest side, which is now occupied by UPS and soon FedEx. FedEx is developing a $60 million distribution center north of the airport.
Enhanced Facilities for Controllers
Currently, six controllers manage operations from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The new tower will introduce modern amenities, including conference rooms, offices, restrooms, a break room, and a mechanical room, which the existing tower lacks. Once operational, the older structure, located to the west, will be dismantled.
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